Pages

Monday, September 5, 2016

Maryland officials are resisting a push to deepen carbon-emission cuts as part of a regional agreement to reduce power-plant pollution.

The nine East Coast states that make up the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative are negotiating new terms for the pact, set to expire in 2020. Massachusetts has joined environmental advocates pushing for a cap on carbon emissions from power plants that would fall 5 percent a year for the next decade, or twice the current rate.

Maryland Secretary of the Environment Ben Grumbles said the proposal could result in higher power bills for Marylanders and harm the state’s economy. If adopted, he said, Maryland would consider pulling out of the regional pact for the first time since it formed in 2008.“I’m sure every single state could agree if the caps are too stringent for that particular state . . . then those states would be very vocal in saying, ‘We can’t accept that,’ ” Grumbles said.

Maryland Secretary of the Environment Ben Grumbles, second from the right. (Katherine Frey)

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative creates a local cap-and-trade system that limits how much plants can pollute, and holds auctions where energy producers bid against each other for rights to emit carbon. Proceeds from the auctions fund clean-energy initiatives aimed at combating climate change.

In addition to Maryland and Massachusetts, the pact includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. New Jersey pulled out of the pact in 2011.

Unlike other states in the agreement, Maryland is on the same power grid as coal-heavy states that never signed on to the initiative, including West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. That means energy companies in Maryland are competing against producers in nearby states who aren’t abiding by the same restrictions on emissions and use cheaper, non-renewable energy sources.

Complicating matters further is the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan, which would require each state to draw plans to shift away from fossil-fuel powered plants. The plan would reduce the pressure of intra-state competition, but it’s on hold pending a U.S. Supreme Court challenge and could be changed under the next president.

“While we are pushing for environmental leadership in the state . . . we want to reduce the risk of having other neighboring states being able to provide dirtier and cheaper energy to the citizens of Maryland,” said Grumbles, a member of Gov. Larry Hogan’s cabinet.

Officials in the administration of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) have indicated that they don’t want to derail the pact by going too far with emission cuts.

“We’re definitely not strong-arming anyone to do anything,” Energy Secretary Matthew Beaton told the Massachusetts State House News Service last week.

A spokesman for Beaton said the state is committed to reducing carbon emissions and power bills, but wouldn’t say if it would continue pushing for steeper cuts to carbon emissions.

But in Maryland, local environmental advocates are continuing to make that case. Scores of activists urged lower emissions at a meeting last week seeking feedback on the greenhouse-gas initiative at the Department of Environment offices in Baltimore.

“With the support of neighboring states, we hope Maryland steps up to the plate to help the region meet the goals it needs to create good-paying, clean-energy jobs and curb climate disruption,” said Johana Vicente, an organizer for the Maryland League of Conservation Voters.

Democratic lawmakers have also expressed support for 5 percent annual cuts in allowable emissions.

“We have to be sensible about [reductions] and we have to phase it over a period of time in order to be affordable, but it’s always preferable to be ambitious,” said Del. Kumar Barve (D-Montgomery), who chairs the House of Delegates committee that oversees environmental issues.

Carbon emissions from states in the pact have fallen dramatically, from 122 million tons in 2009 to 83 million tons in 2015.

The reduction is 16 percent greater than in states that haven’t joined the initiative, according to an analysis by the Acadia Center, which advocates for clean energy. The analysis also says electricity prices have decreased 3.4 percent on average for participating states, while rising elsewhere.

Industry observers say lower demand for energy during the economic downturn and the rise of natural gas, which results in lower carbon emissions than coal, also drove the decrease.

Read the full story hereLike this? Use form in upper right to receive free updates See popular posts from the last 30 days in right column --- >>

Julie Dermansky reports for DESMOG : Despite hearing over four hours of public comments mostly in opposition, New Orleans City Counc...

Repost.Us

What is EnviroPolitics Blog?

You're reading the free companion blog to our paid-subscription newsletter, EnviroPolitics, that delivers environment, energy and political news--every business day--from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and beyond. Plus energy and environmental legislation in NJ and PA!Try us FREE for 30-days!

Who writes this?

More about EnviroPolitics Blog

Serious about energy and environment news and issues?

Try our daily newsletter for a full month FREE without obligation!

EnviroPolitics FREE 30-Day Trial

Put yourself in the best company Try our daily EnviroPolitics newsletter - FREE for 30 days!

EnviroPolitics counts among its subscribers many of the region's top environmental law, engineering and consulting firms. We're also read by key legislators, regulators and county and municipal officials who shape environmental and energy policies.

Find out why so many (probably including your competitors) have put EnviroPolitics at the top of their daily 'must read' list.

No charge. No obligation.Coming to your email for an entire month! Get it NOW.

Easy Credit Card Payments

Payment Options

Enviro-Events Calendar

We'll publicize your event for free

Great Events - Are You Going?

Great seminars, forums, webinars, educational, networking and social opportunities in NJ, PA, NY, DE -and beyond!